WO2017195631A1 - 歯ブラシ - Google Patents

歯ブラシ Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017195631A1
WO2017195631A1 PCT/JP2017/016765 JP2017016765W WO2017195631A1 WO 2017195631 A1 WO2017195631 A1 WO 2017195631A1 JP 2017016765 W JP2017016765 W JP 2017016765W WO 2017195631 A1 WO2017195631 A1 WO 2017195631A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
light receiving
unit
toothbrush
tooth surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2017/016765
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
康大 川端
英之 山下
耕太郎 北上
秀輝 吉田
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Omron Healthcare Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Omron Healthcare Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Omron Healthcare Co Ltd filed Critical Omron Healthcare Co Ltd
Priority to CN201780029020.3A priority Critical patent/CN109152472A/zh
Priority to DE112017002441.2T priority patent/DE112017002441B4/de
Publication of WO2017195631A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017195631A1/ja
Priority to US16/167,588 priority patent/US10856649B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0016—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
    • A46B15/0036—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with a lighting means, e.g. laser, bulb
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0012—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with a pressure controlling device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
    • A61B5/0088—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for oral or dental tissue
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0038—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means
    • A46B15/0044—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means with light signalling means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toothbrush. More specifically, in order to determine the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface, a light emitting unit that irradiates light on the tooth surface and a light receiving unit that receives emitted light from the tooth surface.
  • the toothbrush provided.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-532619
  • a head having bristles is provided, and a raised surface (hair holding surface) of the head is provided.
  • a device in which a light emitting element for irradiating light on the tooth surface is mounted in a substantially central region is known (see, for example, FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1).
  • the light emission surface (transparent resin surface) of the light emitting element is hemispherical in order to increase the light collection efficiency, and is arranged to protrude outward from the raised surface.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush having a condensing part in a specific region of the raised surface of the head part, which can stably maintain the condensing efficiency of the condensing part.
  • the toothbrush of the present invention is A main body including a head portion having a raised surface on which bristles are erected, a grip portion to be grasped by hand, and a neck portion connecting the head portion and the grip portion; A light emitting unit that irradiates light through a specific region of the raised surface toward the tooth surface inside the main body, and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the tooth surface by the light through the specific region.
  • a light receiving and condensing part that condenses the radiated light from the tooth surface toward the light receiving surface of the light receiving part is disposed on the housing portion forming the specific region, Of the raised surfaces of the head portion, a region including the specific region and wider than the specific region is flat.
  • inside of main body refers to the inside of the head portion, neck portion, or grip portion.
  • “Case portion” forming a specific area refers to a portion corresponding to the specific area of the outer wall (outer casing) of the head portion.
  • a raised surface that includes the specific region and is wider than the specific region is flat means that a region that affects the light collection efficiency of the light receiving and collecting unit is flat. To do.
  • the entire raised surface may be flat, including a region surrounding the hair in the raised surface.
  • the light emitting part irradiates light toward the tooth surface through a specific region of the raised surface.
  • the light receiving unit receives the light emitted from the tooth surface by the light through the specific region, that is, through the light receiving and collecting unit. Based on the output of the light receiving unit, the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface by a known method for detecting plaque-specific fluorescence as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-522102. Is to be judged.
  • the light receiving and condensing unit arranged in the housing portion of the specific region condenses the emitted light from the tooth surface toward the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit.
  • the output of the light receiving unit is increased, and as a result, the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface can be increased.
  • region is flat. For this reason, at the time of use, it is hard for a water droplet to adhere to the said light-receiving condensing part and its periphery. Therefore, it is possible to stably maintain the light collection efficiency by the light receiving and collecting unit.
  • a plaque detection unit that determines the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface based on the output of the light receiving unit may be provided inside the main body.
  • the hair is omitted in the “specific region” of the raised surface.
  • the light receiving and condensing unit includes a Fresnel lens or a diffraction grating having a flat outer surface present in the specific region of the raised surface and an inner surface protruding toward the inside of the head unit. It consists of a lens.
  • the light receiving and condensing unit is a Fresnel lens or a diffraction that has a flat outer surface present in the specific region of the raised surface and an inner surface protruding toward the inside of the head unit. It consists of a lattice lens. Therefore, the thickness of the light receiving and condensing part can be set thinner in the thickness direction perpendicular to the raised surface than in the case of a simple plano-convex lens. As a result, an increase in the thickness of the head portion due to the presence of the light receiving and condensing portion can be suppressed.
  • the light receiving part is disposed in the head part,
  • the optical characteristics of the light receiving and condensing unit are set such that the emitted light emitted from the tooth surface in contact with the tip of the hair is imaged on the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit.
  • the “optical characteristics of the light receiving and condensing unit” refers to, for example, the focal length of the lens forming the light receiving and condensing unit.
  • the light receiving part is arranged in the head part.
  • the optical characteristics of the light receiving and condensing unit are set so that the emitted light emitted from the tooth surface in contact with the tip of the hair is imaged on the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit. Therefore, the output of the light receiving unit is further increased. As a result, the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface is increased.
  • the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged side by side inside the head unit, In the specific region, a light emission condensing part that condenses light from the light emitting part toward the tooth surface in contact with the tip of the hair is disposed,
  • the light receiving condensing unit and the light emitting condensing unit are formed of a common lens.
  • the light emitting part and the light receiving part are arranged side by side inside the head part.
  • positioned at the said specific area condenses the light from the said light emission part toward the said tooth surface which is in contact with the front-end
  • the said light reception condensing part and the said light emission condensing part consist of a common lens, the increase in the number of members can be prevented. Therefore, this toothbrush can be manufactured in a small size and at a low cost.
  • the toothbrush according to an embodiment is characterized in that a plaque detection unit that determines the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface based on the output of the light receiving unit is provided inside the grip unit.
  • a plaque detection unit for determining the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface based on the output of the light receiving unit is provided inside the grip unit. Therefore, the user can know the determination result of the presence or absence of dental plaque while brushing teeth. Thereby, the optical fiber, wiring, etc. which extend outside from this toothbrush can be omitted. In such a case, when the user brushes his / her teeth with the toothbrush, there is no obstruction and the user can easily brush his / her teeth.
  • the light collection efficiency can be stably maintained.
  • FIG. 1 (A) and 1 (B) are views showing the appearance of an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment in which the plaque detection device of the present invention is incorporated obliquely from opposite sides. It is a figure which shows the longitudinal cross-section when the said electric toothbrush is cut
  • FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a cross section of a Fresnel lens constituting the light condensing unit.
  • FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the Fresnel lens viewed from below in FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a diffraction grating lens that constitutes a condensing unit.
  • FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the diffraction grating lens as viewed from below in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification by which the plano-convex lens which makes a condensing part is embedded in the outer surface of the outer wall of a head part. It is a figure which shows another modification in which the plano-convex lens which makes a condensing part is embedded at the inner surface of the outer wall of a head part.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating the function of the light collecting unit in the configuration of FIG.
  • (Constitution) 1 (A) and 1 (B) show the appearance of an electric toothbrush (indicated by reference numeral 90 as a whole) of one embodiment in which the plaque detection device of the present invention is incorporated, obliquely from opposite sides. It shows what you see.
  • the electric toothbrush 90 includes a head portion 4 on which bristles 210 are erected, a grip portion 5 to be gripped by a hand, and a neck portion 3 that connects the head portion 4 and the grip portion 5.
  • the head portion 4 and the neck portion 3 are integrally configured as a brush member 2 that can be attached to and detached from the grip portion 5.
  • the head portion 4, the neck portion 3, and the grip portion 5 are collectively referred to as a main body 1.
  • the main body 1 has an elongated shape in one direction for the convenience of brushing teeth. Note that a charger 100 is shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section when the electric toothbrush 90 is cut along the longitudinal direction.
  • the grip portion 5 has a stem 6 provided so as to protrude from the outer casing of the grip portion 5 toward the neck portion 3 side.
  • the stem 6 has a cylindrical shape with a closed tip.
  • the neck portion 3 of the brush member 2 is fitted and mounted so as to cover the stem 6. Since the brush member 2 is a consumable part, it is configured to be detachable from the grip portion 5 so that it can be replaced with a new one.
  • bristles (brushes) 210 are erected so as to protrude from the raised surface 4a by about 10 mm to 12 mm by flocking in this example.
  • the hair 210 may be welded or bonded instead of flocking.
  • a switch S for turning the power on / off is provided on the outer surface of the grip portion 5 of the main body 1.
  • the grip unit 5 includes a motor 10 as a drive source, a drive circuit 12, a rechargeable battery 13 as a power supply unit, a charging coil 14 and the like.
  • the battery 1 can be charged in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction only by placing the main body 1 on the charger 100 shown in FIG.
  • a bearing 203 is provided inside the stem 6.
  • the tip of the eccentric shaft 30 connected to the rotating shaft 11 of the motor 10 is inserted into the bearing 203.
  • the eccentric shaft 30 has a weight 300 in the vicinity of the bearing 203, and the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 30 is deviated from the center of rotation.
  • the drive circuit 12 supplies a drive signal (for example, a pulse width modulation signal) according to the operation mode to the motor 10 and rotates the rotating shaft 11 of the motor 10, the eccentric shaft 30 also rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft 11. . Since the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 30 is deviated from the center of rotation, the eccentric shaft 30 moves around the center of rotation. Therefore, the tip of the eccentric shaft 30 repeatedly collides with the inner wall of the bearing 203, and the bristles 210 are vibrated (moved) at high speed.
  • the hair is omitted in the specific area 4c at the substantially center.
  • a light emitting portion 50 and a light receiving portion 51 are arranged side by side.
  • a light receiving condensing unit and a light condensing unit 53 as a light emitting condensing unit are disposed in a housing part (outer housing) that forms the specific region 4 c of the head unit 4.
  • the outer casing of the head unit 4 includes a flat outer wall 41 including a raised surface 4 a, a flat rear wall 43 facing the outer wall 41, and the outer walls 41 and the peripheral edges of the rear wall 43. It includes a peripheral wall 42 that connects the parts, and is integrally formed in a box shape having a sealed internal space 4i.
  • the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 are attached to the inner surface of the back wall 43 via a flat wiring board 54.
  • the wiring substrate 54 is electrically connected to the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 on one surface 54a to which the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 are attached, and a surface 54b opposite to the surface 54a. It has wiring (not shown). These wires include a wire 33 provided on the inner surface of the back wall 43, a wire 32 provided through the outer casing of the head unit 4 shown in FIG. 2, and a wire 31 provided on the stem 6. Is electrically connected to the drive circuit 12.
  • This light-emitting diode is an LED (model number SM0603UV-405) manufactured by Bivar in this example, and generates light L having a peak wavelength of 405 nm.
  • the light receiving unit 51 includes a photodiode that receives the radiated light L ′ from the tooth surface 99a by the light L through the condensing unit 53 in the specific region 4c and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the radiated light L ′.
  • the photodiode is a PD (Photo Diode) (model number NJL6401R-3) manufactured by New Japan Radio Co., Ltd.
  • the light receiving unit 51 may be formed of a phototransistor instead of a photodiode.
  • the condensing part 53 is composed of a plano-convex lens having a flat outer surface 53a existing in the specific region 4c of the raised surface 4a and an inner surface 53b protruding toward the internal space 4i of the head part 4. Yes.
  • the plano-convex lens is fitted and held in a through hole provided in the outer wall 41 of the head portion 4.
  • the outer surface 53a of the plano-convex lens is in the same plane as the raised surface 4a.
  • the entire region of the raised surface 4a of the head portion 4 is flat. That is, the raised surface 4a is flat as a whole, including the specific region 4c and the region surrounding and holding the hair 210 in the raised surface 4a.
  • it is not restricted to the whole raising surface 4a,
  • region 4c should just be flat.
  • the diameter of the plano-convex lens forming the condensing part 53 is 3 mm
  • the thickness t0 is 2 mm
  • the refractive index is 1.59
  • the material is polycarbonate.
  • the distance t2 between the plano-convex lens and the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 is set to 2 mm.
  • This condensing part 53 works as a light emission condensing part, condenses the light L from the light emitting part 50 toward the tooth surface 99a in contact with the tip of the hair 210, and also works as a light receiving condensing part.
  • the radiated light L ′ from 99 a is condensed toward the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 51. Therefore, the intensity of the light L applied to the tooth surface 99a increases and the intensity of the radiated light L ′ on the light receiving surface increases. Therefore, the output of the light receiving unit 51 is increased.
  • the light emission condensing part and the light receiving condensing part consist of a common lens, an increase in the number of members can be prevented. Therefore, this toothbrush can be manufactured in a small size and at a low cost.
  • FIG. 3 shows a block configuration of a control system of the electric toothbrush 90.
  • a control unit 110 Inside the grip portion 5 of the electric toothbrush 90, a control unit 110, a storage unit 115, an operation unit 130, a notification unit 140, and a power supply unit 170 that form the drive circuit 12 described above are provided.
  • the drive unit 101 represents the motor 10, the rotary shaft 11, the eccentric shaft 30, the bearing 203, and the weight 300 described above.
  • the control unit 110 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that is operated by software. In addition to driving the motor 10, the control unit 110 performs processing for determining the presence or absence of plaque (or tartar) on the tooth surface 99a, and various other processing. Execute.
  • the operation unit 130 includes the switch S described above, and works for the user to turn on / off the power of the electric toothbrush 90.
  • the storage unit 115 includes an EEPROM (electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory) that can store data non-temporarily.
  • the storage unit 115 stores a control program for controlling the control unit 110.
  • the notification unit 140 includes a buzzer and notifies the presence or absence of plaque (or tartar) by the sound of a buzzer sound.
  • a buzzer instead of or in addition to the buzzer, an LED lamp may be provided, and the presence or absence of dental plaque (or tartar) may be notified by turning on or blinking the LED lamp.
  • the power supply unit 170 includes the rechargeable battery 13 described above, and supplies power (in this example, DC 2.4 V) to each unit in the electric toothbrush 90.
  • the control unit 110 rotates the motor 10 to vibrate (move) the bristles 210 at high speed. Furthermore, as described below, the control unit 110 functions as a plaque detection unit, and executes processing for determining whether or not there is plaque (or calculus) on the tooth surface 99a.
  • the control unit 110 turns on the light emitting unit 50 and irradiates the light L from the light emitting unit 50 to the tooth surface 99 a through the light collecting unit 53 in the specific region 4 c. .
  • radiation light L ′ is emitted from the tooth surface 99a.
  • the radiated light L ′ is received by the light receiving unit 51 through the light collecting unit 53 in the specific region 4 c.
  • the output of the light receiving unit 51 is input to the control unit 110.
  • the control unit 110 detects a plaque-specific fluorescence as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-522102).
  • the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface 99a is determined.
  • the condensing part 53 arrange
  • the entire raised surface 4a of the head portion 4 is flat. For this reason, at the time of use, a water droplet does not adhere easily to the condensing part 53 and its circumference
  • control unit 110 notifies the presence or absence of plaque (or tartar) by the sounding of a buzzer sound by the notification unit 140.
  • the user can know the determination result of the presence or absence of plaque (or tartar) while brushing teeth.
  • the optical fiber, wiring, etc. which extend outside from this electric toothbrush 90 can be omitted.
  • the user brushes his / her teeth with the electric toothbrush 90 there is no obstacle and the user can easily brush his / her teeth.
  • the condensing part 53 is made of a plano-convex lens, but the invention is not limited to this.
  • the light condensing unit 53 may include a Fresnel lens 530.
  • FIG. 5A shows a cross section of the Fresnel lens 530 corresponding to FIG.
  • FIG. 5B shows the Fresnel lens 530 viewed from below in FIG.
  • the Fresnel lens 530 has a flat outer surface 530a present in the specific region 4c of the raised surface 4a and an inner surface 530b protruding toward the internal space 4i of the head portion 4.
  • the inner surface 530b includes a central portion 531 that is curved and protruded, and a plurality of annular portions 532, 532,... The inclination of the protrusions of the annular portions 532, 532,... Is the same.
  • the diameter of the Fresnel lens 530 is 3 mm
  • the thickness t30 is 0.3 mm
  • the refractive index is 1.59
  • the material is polycarbonate.
  • the thickness of the condensing part 53 can be set thin in the thickness direction perpendicular to the raised surface 4a, compared to the case of a simple plano-convex lens. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the head portion 4 due to the presence of the light collecting portion 53.
  • the light condensing unit 53 may include a diffraction grating lens 540.
  • FIG. 6A shows a cross section of the diffraction grating lens 540 corresponding to FIG.
  • FIG. 6B shows the diffraction grating lens 540 viewed from below in FIG.
  • the diffraction grating lens 540 has a flat outer surface 540a existing in the specific region 4c of the raised surface 4a and an inner surface 540b protruding toward the internal space 4i of the head portion 4.
  • the inner surface 540b includes a central portion 541 that protrudes in a conical shape, and a plurality of annular portions 542, 543, 544,.
  • the pitch between the protrusions of the annular portions 542, 543, 544,... Becomes narrower toward the outer side in the radial direction, and accordingly, each protrusion becomes steeper as it becomes the outer annular portion.
  • the thickness of the condensing part 53 is reduced in the thickness direction perpendicular to the raised surface 4 a as compared to the case of a simple plano-convex lens. Can be set. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the head portion 4 due to the presence of the light collecting portion 53.
  • the plano-convex lens forming the light condensing part 53 is assumed to be fitted and held in a through hole provided in the outer wall 41 of the head part 4.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the outer wall 41 ′ of the head portion (indicated by reference numeral 4B) is made of a transparent resin, and the light collecting portion 53 ′ is formed on the outer surface (ie, the raised surface 4a) of the outer wall 41 ′.
  • a plano-convex lens may be embedded.
  • the flat outer surface of the plano-convex lens forming the condensing portion 53 ′ is in the same plane as the raised surface 4a, as in FIG.
  • the convex surface side of the plano-convex lens is embedded partway along the outer wall 41 '.
  • FIG. 7 the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the components in FIG. 4 (the same applies to FIGS. 8 to 11 described later).
  • the raised surface 4a is flat as a whole, including the specific region 4c and the region surrounding and holding the hair 210 in the raised surface 4a. Therefore, as in the example of FIG. 4, it is difficult for water droplets to adhere to the condensing portion 53 ′ and its surroundings during use. Therefore, it is possible to stably maintain the light collection efficiency by the light collecting portion 53 ′.
  • the plano-convex lens as the light condensing part 53 ' can be held more firmly.
  • the outer wall 41 ′′ of the head portion (indicated by reference numeral 4C) is made of a transparent resin, and a plano-convex lens is embedded as a condensing portion 53 ′′ on the inner surface of the outer wall 41 ′′.
  • the flat surface of the plano-convex lens forming the condensing portion 53 ′′ is in the same plane as the inner surface of the outer wall 41 ′′.
  • the convex surface of the plano-convex lens The side is embedded partway through the outer wall 41 ′′.
  • the raised surface 4a is flat as a whole, including the specific region 4c and the region surrounding and holding the hair 210 in the raised surface 4a. Therefore, as in the example of FIG. 4, it is difficult for water droplets to adhere to and around the light condensing portion 53 ′′ during use. Therefore, the light condensing efficiency by the light condensing portion 53 ′′ can be stably maintained. In addition, the plano-convex lens as the light condensing part 53 ′′ can be held more firmly.
  • the light L generated by the light emitting unit 50 in a state where the tooth surface 99a is in contact with the tip of the bristles 210 is optical of the condensing unit 53 ′′. It is set so as to form an image on the tooth surface 99a depending on the characteristics (particularly, focal length), etc.
  • FIG 9A light passing through the vicinity of the lens center among the light L generated by the light emitting unit 50. 9 shows the path of Lc and the paths of light Le and Lf passing through the vicinity of the lens periphery, and the tooth surface 99a is in contact with the tip of the bristles 210 as shown in FIG.
  • the radiated light L ′ emitted from the surface 99a is set so as to form an image on the light receiving surface of the light receiving portion 51 by the optical characteristics (particularly, focal length) of the light collecting portion 53 ′′.
  • FIG. 9B shows the path of the light Lc ′ passing through the vicinity of the lens center and the paths of the light Le ′ and Lf ′ passing through the vicinity of the lens periphery of the radiated light L ′ emitted from the tooth surface 99a. Yes.
  • the outer casing of the head unit 4 is configured integrally in a box shape.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the head part (indicated by reference numeral 4D) is detachably attached to the inner box part 4D2 extending from the stem 6 shown in FIG. 4 and the outer side of the inner box part 4D2.
  • You may comprise by the outer cylinder part 4D1 fitted by.
  • the inner box portion 4D2 is made of a resin material, and includes a flat outer wall 46, a flat rear wall 48 that faces the outer wall 46, and a peripheral wall 47 that connects the outer wall 46 and the peripheral portions of the rear wall 48.
  • a flat outer wall 46 In the inner space 45i of the inner box part 4D2, the light emitting part 50, the light receiving part 51, the wiring board 54, and the wiring 33 that is electrically connected to the drive circuit 12 are arranged as in the head part 4 in FIG. Has been.
  • the first light collecting unit 56 is disposed in a portion of the outer wall 46 of the inner box unit 4D2 that faces the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51.
  • the first condensing part 56 is composed of a plano-convex lens having a flat outer surface 56a and an inner surface 56b protruding toward the inner space 45i of the inner box part 4D2.
  • This plano-convex lens is fitted and held in a through hole provided in the outer wall 46.
  • the outer surface 56 a of the plano-convex lens is in the same plane as the outer surface of the outer wall 46. As a result, it is easy to fit and remove the outer cylinder portion 4D1 on the outside of the inner box portion 4D2.
  • the outer cylinder portion 4D1 is made of a transparent resin material, and is configured in a rectangular tube shape so as to be slidable and fitted in the lateral direction in FIG. 10 outside the inner box portion 4D2.
  • bristles (brushes) 210 are erected by flocking in this example on one surface (raised surface) 4a corresponding to the outer wall 46 of the inner box portion 4D2.
  • a second light collecting portion 57 is arranged in a portion (inside the wall) corresponding to the specific region 4c in the outer cylinder portion 4D1.
  • the second condensing part 57 is composed of a biconvex lens having an outer surface 57a protruding toward the outer side (tooth surface 99a side) and an inner surface 57b protruding toward the inner side (inner box part 4D2 side). This biconvex lens is embedded and held in the wall of the outer cylinder portion 4D1.
  • the light L generated by the light emitting unit 50 is condensed toward the tooth surface 99a through the two light collecting portions of the first light collecting portion 56 and the second light collecting portion 57.
  • the radiated light L ′ radiated from the tooth surface 99 a is condensed toward the light receiving surface of the light receiving part 51 through the two light collecting parts of the second light collecting part 57 and the first light collecting part 56. Is done. Therefore, the output of the light receiving unit 51 is increased. As a result, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy for the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface 99a.
  • the raised surface 4a of the outer cylinder portion 4D1 is flat as a whole including the specific region 4c and the region surrounding and holding the hair 210 in the raised surface 4a. Accordingly, as in the example of FIG. 4, it is difficult for water droplets to adhere to the second light collecting portion 57 and its surroundings during use. Therefore, the light collection efficiency by the second light collection unit 57 can be stably maintained.
  • any one of the first light collecting unit 56 and the second light collecting unit 57 may be omitted.
  • the light collecting portions 53, 53 ′, 53 ′′,... are arranged in the casing portion that forms the specific region 4c of the head portion 4.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • substantially hemispherical transparent resins 58 and 59 are respectively provided on the upper surfaces of the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 (surfaces facing the light collecting unit 53). It may be provided to have a light collecting function.
  • This configuration further increases the output of the light receiving unit 51. As a result, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy regarding the presence or absence of plaque on the tooth surface 99a.
  • the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 are arranged inside the head unit 4, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the light emitting unit 50 and the light receiving unit 51 may be provided inside the main body 1.
  • a light emitting diode that forms the light emitting unit 50 and a photodiode that forms the light receiving unit 51 are disposed inside the grip unit 5, and a waveguide including an optical fiber between the light emitting diode, the photodiode, and the light collecting unit 53. May be provided.
  • an electric toothbrush has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a hand brushed toothbrush.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
PCT/JP2017/016765 2016-05-11 2017-04-27 歯ブラシ Ceased WO2017195631A1 (ja)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201780029020.3A CN109152472A (zh) 2016-05-11 2017-04-27 牙刷
DE112017002441.2T DE112017002441B4 (de) 2016-05-11 2017-04-27 Zahnbürste
US16/167,588 US10856649B2 (en) 2016-05-11 2018-10-23 Toothbrush

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2016095278A JP6786866B2 (ja) 2016-05-11 2016-05-11 歯ブラシ
JP2016-095278 2016-05-11

Related Child Applications (1)

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US16/167,588 Continuation US10856649B2 (en) 2016-05-11 2018-10-23 Toothbrush

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WO2017195631A1 true WO2017195631A1 (ja) 2017-11-16

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JP (1) JP6786866B2 (enExample)
CN (1) CN109152472A (enExample)
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WO (1) WO2017195631A1 (enExample)

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USD853730S1 (en) * 2017-08-01 2019-07-16 Dongguan Ai Le Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd Electric toothbrush

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USD893881S1 (en) * 2017-11-17 2020-08-25 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care apparatus
USD858105S1 (en) * 2017-11-17 2019-09-03 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
CA3147865A1 (en) * 2019-08-02 2021-02-11 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrush, system, and method for detecting blood in an oral cavity during toothbrushing
DE202019105110U1 (de) * 2019-09-16 2020-12-18 Bioinitials Gmbh Bürstenkopf, Zahnbürste, Austauschstation und Vorrichtung zur Überwachung des Gesundheitszustandes
TWI712395B (zh) * 2020-02-05 2020-12-11 大陸商嘉善萬順達電子有限公司 電動牙刷的振動結構
TWI851252B (zh) * 2023-05-31 2024-08-01 劉根土 牙刷

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Publication number Publication date
US10856649B2 (en) 2020-12-08
CN109152472A (zh) 2019-01-04
US20190053614A1 (en) 2019-02-21
DE112017002441B4 (de) 2024-09-12
JP6786866B2 (ja) 2020-11-18
JP2017202085A (ja) 2017-11-16
DE112017002441T5 (de) 2019-01-31

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